Marquette University vs Loyola University Chicago: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Marquette University and Loyola University Chicago, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Marquette University vs Loyola University Chicago at a glance
Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and Loyola University Chicago 81.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $30,561 at Marquette University and $36,340 at Loyola University Chicago. Six-year graduation rates are 79.4% and 72.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and Loyola University Chicago 81.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $30,561 a year at Marquette University and $36,340 at Loyola University Chicago; Marquette University costs $5,779 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $20,708 at Marquette University and $30,709 at Loyola University Chicago.
- 79.4% of students graduate within six years at Marquette University, against 72.1% at Loyola University Chicago.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,810 for Marquette University and $78,431 for Loyola University Chicago; Marquette University is $5,379 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Marquette University and $23,750 at Loyola University Chicago.
- Marquette University enrolls 7,660 students (large city) and Loyola University Chicago 11,737 (large city).
Side by side
Marquette University and Loyola University Chicago in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Marquette University | Loyola University Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 81.3% | 81.6% |
| Applicants | 16,270 | 37,824 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1360 | 1170–1360 |
| ACT middle 50% | 26–31 | 27–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $30,561 | $36,340 |
| Tuition, in state | $53,270 | $56,060 |
| Tuition, out of state | $53,270 | $56,060 |
| Cost of attendance | $69,833 | $70,688 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $20,708 | $30,709 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $20,217 | $31,498 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $23,377 | $31,297 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $30,314 | $35,289 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,187 | $43,708 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 79.4% | 72.1% |
| First-year retention | 91% | 81.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,810 | $78,431 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $23,750 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $270 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,660 | 11,737 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Milwaukee, WI | Chicago, IL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Marquette University reports 70 bachelor's programs and Loyola University Chicago 99; 52 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Political Science and Government
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Questions about Marquette University vs Loyola University Chicago
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Marquette University or Loyola University Chicago?
Marquette University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Marquette University admits 81.3% of applicants and Loyola University Chicago admits 81.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Marquette University 1200–1360; Loyola University Chicago 1170–1360.
Which is cheaper, Marquette University or Loyola University Chicago?
Marquette University has the lower average net price after grants: $30,561 a year at Marquette University against $36,340 at Loyola University Chicago. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $20,708 and $30,709. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Marquette University or Loyola University Chicago graduates earn more?
Marquette University graduates earn more at the median: $83,810 ten years after entry for Marquette University and $78,431 for Loyola University Chicago. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $23,750.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Marquette University or Loyola University Chicago?
Marquette University does: 79.4% of Marquette University students graduate within six years, against 72.1% at Loyola University Chicago.
How big are Marquette University and Loyola University Chicago?
Marquette University has 7,660 students in Milwaukee, WI and Loyola University Chicago has 11,737 students in Chicago, IL.